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Why my British musician friend practices Tai Chi: “Power without tension”

What happens when the flowing energy of Tai Chi harmonizes with the elegance of Bach's music? In this unique cultural experience, I team up with world-renowned British musician Prof. John Butt, a leading figure in Baroque music and a lifelong admirer of Tai Chi.

John is in Guangzhou to perform Bach's The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I at the Guangzhou Opera House. But before the concert, we met for something special: Tai Chi practice to the sound of Bach. As we moved, we explored the shared philosophy behind Baroque music and Taoist balance—tension and release, yin and yang.

In his words, Tai Chi is not just movement—it's unity between the physical, mental, and emotional. For performers like him, it offers a rare calmness, a way to wield power without tension. It was truly a beautiful encounter, filled with insight, laughter, and flow.

Reporter: Li Fangwang

Video & Poster: Li Fangwang

Editor: Hu Nan, James, Shen He

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